BCPS Employee Distributing Meals Tests Positive For Coronavirus

DUNDALK, MD — A Baltimore County Public Schools employee working in the meal distribution program at Dundalk Elementary School, Dundalk Middle School and First Baptist Church in Dundalk has tested positive for COVID-19. Meal distribution from those three meal distribution sites will not be put on hold in light of the employee's diagnosis.

Everyone who had close contact with the BCPS employee has been identified, notified and will remain away from BCPS facilities until cleared to return by the Baltimore County Department of Health, the school district disclosed. The bus and school buildings involved have been cleaned in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols.

The school district reached out to the community about the situation and encouraged students and others to closely monitor their health. Karen Levenstein, director of the office of food and nutrition services for BCPS, wrote in a letter that others should check their temperature every morning and if they develop signs of illness, including a fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell, to stay home and consult with a health care provider to determine the need for COVID-19 testing.

"In addition, everyone is asked to please continue following practices that minimize the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining social distancing of 6 feet from others at all times, wearing a face covering when around others, covering your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or tissue, and washing your hands regularly," Levenstein noted.